Issue 6, 2007
Courses and Scholarships
From advanced mathematics to atmospheric science
When third-year student Ben Landsberry commenced his Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) three years ago he had plans to transfer to actuarial studies - next year he will complete his degree having majored in atmospheric science.
During his first semester at Macquarie after completing just one statistics subject Landsberry decided actuarial studies wasn't for him. He decided to continue with his maths degree but thanks to the flexibility of Macquarie's programs he was able to take subjects as varied as geography, Japanese and natural hazards.
"At Macquarie a lot of the degree programs are really flexible," says Landsberry. "It has been great for me, it helped me understand exactly what I wanted to do and has given me more freedom."
In the middle of 2007, after two years of subjects in natural hazards Landsberry decided to change his path once again.
"I have always been intrigued by the weather and was really interested in what I learnt in my natural hazards subjects and realised I didn't want to do maths anymore," he says. "I transferred my degree two and a half years in and it didn't matter, all my subjects still count towards my Bachelor of Science (Atmospheric Science)."
Landsberry's new path has seen him undertake research in atmospheric science and recently took part in field work around the coal mines in the Hunter Valley.
"I took temperature profiles of the atmosphere across the day because the temperature influences how much noise comes from the mines," he explains. "The more complaints about noise the greater the fines for the mining company."
Field work is something that Landsberry has embraced and it is something he hopes to continue with after his Macquarie experience has ended.
Once Landsberry completes his degree next year he plans to undertake Honours and then look for a role in an environmental firm or even the Bureau of Meteorology.
For further information about undertaking study at Macquarie University visit www.futurestudent.mq.edu.au/undergraduate